OAG asked to indict in 'London Rose'

Authorities handling a case against a Thai-born British citizen accused of lese majeste have recommended indictment to prosecutors.

Published: 21/07/2014 at 07:43 PM

Writer: Online Reporters

The Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) submitted two reports to the Office of the Attorney General on July 10 and 17. They are now being scrutinised by Office of Criminal Litigation 5, OAG spokesman Wanchai Roojanawong said Monday.

Since the alleged offence took place outside the kingdom, Mr Wanchai said, the matter would be forwarded to Attorney-General Trakul Winijnaiyaphak who would make a final decision whether to order indictment in the case.

Chatwadee Amornpat, aka "London Rose," a Thai-born woman living in London as a naturalised citizen, was accused of insulting the monarchy in her video clips posted on the internet.

Authorities last month issued an arrest warrant for Ms Chatwadee for failing to respond to the National Council for Peace and Order's summons. As a result, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs revoked her passport.

A team comprised of representatives from the OAG, the police and the Foreign Ministry was set up early this month to pursue legal action against lese majeste suspects who have fled or are living abroad.

But the UK's Foreign & Commonwealth Office - the equivalent of the foreign ministry - has at least twice protested against the military council's attempts to harass Ms Chatwadee and UK diplomats have told Thailand to stop bothering her.

If the attorney-general indicts her and a court arrest warrant is issued, the OAG will work with the Foreign Ministry to bring back Ms Chatwadee to be prosecuted in Thailand, Mr Wanchai said.